Advice

Expert advice to help you get the most out of stargazing, from DIY projects to practical astronomy tips.

The positions of Venus and Mercury from 1–19 February. Bright Mercury is particularly well placed for observing at the start of the month when it is mag. –0.9. Credit: Pete Lawrence

A guide to viewing the planets throughout February 2020

A perigee full Moon (left) appears 30% brighter and 14% larger than an apogee full Moon (right). Credit: Pete Lawrence

Observe the perigee full Moon on 8 February 2020

The best telescopes for kids and young astronomers. Credit: BBC Sky at Night Magazine

6 of the best telescopes for kids

Spot Jupiter's moon Callisto casting its shadow on the gas giant, 26 February 2020. Credit: Pete Lawrence

Observing guide See moon Callisto cast a shadow on Jupiter

How to use PixInsight to enhance the brightness of a galaxy image without affecting the stars. Credit: Steve Richards

Astrophoto guides

Image processing Use PixInsight to enhance a galaxy's brightness without affecting stars

BBC Sky at Night Magazine Back Garden Astronomy Week

Discover the Moon with Back Garden Astronomy Week

Sky-Watcher Evostar 72ED DS-Pro refractor telescope

Buying your second telescope: a guide to astronomy upgrades

Like Jupiter, Saturn’s atmosphere shows numerous belts and zones. Recording variations in their intensity and colour will make valuable contributions to science. Credit: Pete Lawrence

Astrophoto guides

Imaging for science How to photograph Saturn

The Grace of Venus © Martin Lewis

Astrophoto guides

Imaging for science How to photograph Mercury and Venus

The Google Pixel 4 smartphone. How does it hold up as an astrophotography camera? Credit: Google

Astrophotography with Google Pixel 4’s Night Sight mode: is it worth it?

Processing raw space mission data

Astrophoto guides

How to process images from raw space mission data

Thor’s Helmet: NGC 2359 gets its nickname from its distinctive nebula bubble. Credit: Gerald Rhemann/CCDGuide.com

Astronomy tour Explore the sights of Canis Major

Dione and Saturn in an image captured by the Cassini spacecraft in 2012 and processed by Emily Lakdawalla. Credit: NASA/JPL/SSI/color composite by Emily Lakdawalla

The art of processing space mission data to create astrophotos

The position of Venus, Mercury and the Moon relative to the southwest horizon at 18:00 UT on January dates shown. The apparent size of the Moon has been exaggerated for clarity. Credit: Pete Lawrence

Observing guide: how to see the planets in January 2020

Friends stargazing. Credit: EvgeniyShkolenko / Getty

Radio Astronomy Podcast Biggest stories of 2019 and top tips for stargazing beginners